Construction begins on affordable housing for B.C. youth and young mothers in New Westminster

For B.C. youth who are transitioning out of foster care, finding affordable housing can be a tremendous burden.

But some relief will soon be on its way to New Westminster.

Construction began Tuesday on a new 89-home development for young mothers and youth aging out of foster care.

“This project represents hope, stability and an opportunity for young people and young mothers in our community,” said New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone at a ground-breaking event.

Touted as one of the largest youth-focused housing projects of its kind in the Lower Mainland, the development was made possible with help from Aunt Leah’s, which will operate the facility, providing access to programs such as life skills training, education, and food security.

“We know that in B.C., youth aged 18 to 24 can be at high risk of experiencing homelessness if they transition out of foster care without safe and appropriate housing that they can afford,” said Jacqueline Dupuis, executive director of Aunt Leah’s.

Through BC Housing, the province is providing more than $14 million to the project, along with annual operating funding.

Jennifer Whiteside, MLA for New Westminster-Coquitlam MLA says the province is supporting youth through the rental assistance program and mental health outreach opportunities.

“All of those services and programs have to knit together,” said Whiteside.

Over the building’s lifecycle, it’s anticipated that an estimated 2,500 young people will call the new location home, addressing what Ashley Crossan, coordinator for the BC Coalition to End Youth Homelessness, says is a longstanding issue of youth not receiving proper care after leaving the government foster care system.

“Youth continuously fall through the cracks trying to access housing and services in a system that wasn’t designed for their needs,” said Crossan.

“When youth fall through these cracks, they become more likely to experience chronic homelessness and long-term housing instability.”

Dupuis says the project “creates the conditions for young people to pursue education, secure employment and raise their children in dignity.”

Rents will range from $445 to $2,500, depending on income. The project is expected to be completed by summer 2027.